The HDR 2014 has ranked Nepal 145th, up from last year’s 157th. However, the two rankings are not directly comparable.

The good news is Nepal’s HDI value is the highest among the “Low Human Development” group. In South Asia, Nepal is above Pakistan (146) and Afghanistan (169).  

Nepal has also improved its ranking in Gender Inequality Index. The country is now ranked 98th from 102nd last year.

The report, titled “Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience”, offers a fresh perspective on what makes people vulnerable, and proposes ways to strengthen resilience.

The report states there is no country in the “very high development” group from the region.

Sri Lanka, which has the highest HDI ranking in South Asia (73rd position), is the only country in the region under the “High Human Development” group. The average HDI value for the region stands at 0.588, below the world average of 0.702.

According to the report, across Asia and the Pacific, over a billion people live just above the extreme poverty line, on more than $1.25 but less than $2.50 a day. The report asserts those who face multiple deprivations are especially at risk of falling back into poverty if a disaster or crisis should occur.

The report has urged governments to commit to the universal provision of basic social services and social protection to build resilience, especially for the poor and other vulnerable groups. It argues that countries in Asia and the Pacific do not have to wait to become rich in order to provide adequate social protection or basic social services.